PETER LA FRANCHI / CANBERRA
Australia's Department of Defence has sought industry input into planning its future aerospace training systems, including views on tuition requirements for the operation of unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs).
A restricted market survey circulated to selected aerospace firms in mid-February identifies Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) training requirements in 2015 as including operators of unmanned air vehicles, UAVs and conventional air- launched cruise missiles.
The survey also seeks industry views on the integration of RAAF training requirements for airborne early warning and control operators, with training for other aerospace weapon systems.
Companies receiving the survey, which is being carried out by Corda, a BAE Systems Australia subsidiary, include Boeing, Eurofighter, Lockheed Martin and Saab/BAE Systems.
A final report is to be finished by June, and will include recommendations on the future of the RAAF's Pilatus PC-9A basic trainer, which is due to reach the end of its service life in 2010.
The survey asks for companies to comment on "the main constraints, limitations and shortfalls of basic and advanced aircrew training currently undertaken by RAAF", and views on what "will be the major gaps/deficiencies of basic and advanced training for RAAF aircrew in the 2015 timeframe based on the current system and organisation".
It reveals there are concerns that the current training processes and aircraft "may not be suitable" for next-generation manned or unmanned platforms.
The survey asks for views on the future balance to be struck between "theoretical, part-task, full simulator, and practical/flying training" as technology evolves over the next 15 years.
It also asks for comment on whether UAV and UCAV operators should be fully qualified military pilots or receive only basic levels of flying training before receiving specialist tuition.
Australia is considering UCAVs as one element of its Air 6000 future fighter programme, but it also intends to acquire Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk strategic UAVs and other UAVs within the next five years.
Meanwhile, the RAAF is to release a tender next month for the provision of repairable item maintenance for its PC-9As over the rest of their service lives.
The contract is expected to be worth around A$31 million ($16.5 million).
Source: Flight International
